Super Bowl & Wine

Can’t make it to New Orleans for the Big Game?

Me either!

However, No matter which team you’re rooting for – the San Francisco 49ers or the Baltimore Ravens – I am suggesting that you kick off your Super Bowl party with something out-of-the ordinary. Instead of the usual, chips, dips, and wings with beer, why not pull out all the stops, and make it a Super Bowl of wine. There is no reason why you can’t cater to both the wine drinker and beer drinker at your Super Bowl bash this year, and I think your guests will be impressed.

For the menu, I have provided some traditional Super Bowl Foods and a few wines that pair well with them. These selections will impress your guests and your party will be the big winner!  Enjoy the game!

-BUFFALO WINGS

   For highly-seasoned wings, go with a Sauvignon Blanc. Kim Crawford or Oyster Bay are two good choices to stand up to the sharp flavors. If your wings are exceptionally spicy, try a Dr. H. Thanisch, or a Dr Loosen Reisling, as they will tame the heat!

CHILI

 The classic Super Bowl food calls for top-notch American wines. Try a big, lush, Zinfandel. The bright berry flavors will be a perfect match for the sweet tomato flavors and meaty characteristics. A Ravenswood (get it?) or a rich Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel will do the trick.

VEGGIES AND DIP

  Crisp and crunchy tidbits call for a fresh, clean white. Try a unoaked Chardonnay from either Vrac or Eugene Blanc. If you want to go the red route, try something light and fruity like a well balanced Hangtime Pinot Noir from California or Patton Valley’s de-Classified Pinot from Oregon.

SUBMARINE SANDWICHES

 If you are rolling out the big sub at halftime, try considering a Cotes du Rhone (Red), Australian Shiraz, or a California Cabernet. Petit Chapeau is a nice choice for a Cotes du Rhone, and Joel Gott is the choice for Cabernet as it pairs well with its cherry cola and hints of anise flavor.

NACHOS

 Believe it or not, the best matches for corn based food such as chips or tortillas is Chardonnay. When going with creamy cheese dips Chardonnay is the perfect compliment. Go for a Simi or Wente Chardonnay (Based in San Francisco), as they both have a nice balance of oak, a bit creamy, and a tropical finish.

Enjoy, and surprise your guests with a little good taste this Super Bowl, and "wined" up for the game!

Take a look at our ad in the Minuteman this week for other fun wine and beer ideas including Niner wines and some beer selections that are from the teams home towns.

-Joe